Hi Friends! Today is Feature Friday and I want to share something with you all written by a blog friend of mine, Anthony Recenello, who blogs at The Charismatic Kid.

Anthony wrote a free e-book called “Let’s Let Kids Do Something Big” and he shared it with me. I’d like to encourage you guys to download it. It caught my attention because of the work I do with children, but upon reading it I actually ended up finding a lot of the relevance for my own self, and my future.

The book is about 45 pages long, but reads easily like a speech, and I was through it in no time, sucked in by the inspiring stories of kids and adults alike. I finished it, ready to take on the world both for myself and for the kids in my life. The main themes that resonated with me are:

1. You cannot simply expect to get what you want from life by being “smart enough” or going to school for the right thing. You MUST TAKE ACTION!
2. Taking chances and making mistakes or having “flaws” and “weaknesses” is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, weaknesses can lead to your most unique strengths.

I asked Anthony to answer a few questions that I had after reading the book, and he gave me some answers. You can tell by his answers that the man is passionate about helping others. I hope you enjoy his responses, and do check out his book- for the benefit of the youths in your life, or if you are like me- for yourself!

Q: Anthony- My favorite part of the whole book is the analogy of a “dirty high” obtained through materials or vicarious thrills, with the “clean high,” of doing something passionate. Do you have any tips for remembering to seize the day on a daily basis?

A: It’s not easy reminding yourself that this “dirty high” is unhealthy, and that going for that “clean high” is MUCH more fulfilling. The dirty high is accessible anywhere you go. Constant ads for the new toy, shoe, movie, cheeseburger, etc. are saturating your vision, that focusing on the good stuff can get pushed out. As stated in the book, even I am subject to this and constantly struggling to keep proactive in my life. But the one thing that keeps me on my path is not JUST my passion, but the fact that I know this life ain’t a dress rehearsal, it’s THE FINAL PERFORMANCE. I am constantly in the final performance, I have only one shot to KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK, and then I’m gonna be dead.

So if I want to live a good life, and to nail this one and only final performance, I MUST act with extreme commitment to my passions, my purpose, and to my path. There have been times I have let weeks go by without doing anything great, and when I wake up to see all of the time I’ve wasted, it disappoints me thoroughly. I have a promise to myself that I will do GREAT things in this world, but nothing comes without extreme hard work.

 Q: You talk about weaknesses in the book as well. I was struck by your pronouncement that our weaknesses or differences are what can make us the most successful and strong in the end. It’s similar to what I teach my kids with Aspergers, Autism, Anxiety, ADHD, etc… but I don’t do it for myself. What about the people like me who don’t have a disability or diagnosis or obvious weakness… does this still apply to people like me?

A: Of course it still applies to you! It applies to every body! Like I said above, humans are made to be imperfect. It’s what makes us so perfect and so beautiful. Flaws are amazing. There is always something you can find that you are feeling uncomfortable about. Most women tend to get uncomfortable about their wrinkles and gray hairs as they get older. Maybe someone has a big nose they are uncomfortable about, maybe a big butt. Or maybe your voice is abnormally low for a female. I have no idea, but those things are what make you special. Think about it, would you rather be part of the crowd, where no one knows who you are, where you can hide anonymously? Or would you rather stand out? It is the confident ones that take their flaws and make them the most attractive thing about them, and it is the insecure people that take their flaws and get nose jobs.

Look at Sarah Jessica Parker. That girl is gorgeous, and she is all-around attractive. But how many times have I heard jokes about her nose? Tons. Horse face, whatever. But if she didn’t have that look about her, she wouldn’t be who she is. Ever notice that the women acting in soap operas all have normal, dull features? Ever notice how no one ever talks about them in pop culture? Because they are BORING!

Accentuate your flaws and insecurities, put them up on stage with a spotlight for everyone to see. Be PROUD of them. They are what make you sexy and attractive and amazing and spectacular! And guess what? All that confidence in your flaws will rub off on your kid. Your son or daughter won’t feel bad when people tease her about the mole on her face, but know that it is a beauty mark and flaunt it like Cindy Crawford.

So there you have it, my friends- take life by the reins! Embrace your quirks, your “flaws,” and do something big. If for no other reason, don’t we need to inspire the kids in our lives to “Do Something Big?”

here is a video for more information:

What do you do to take action in your own life? Do you see your differences as flaws or strengths? Inspire me with your stories of greatness and putting yourself out there!

And have a fabulous Friday all!

Meri